35 Couple Maternity Photoshoot Ideas to Cherish the Journey to New Life
A baby in your life is God’s blessing shining upon you. It is the ultimate experience to become a parent and then watch your tiny bundle of joy grow big to take giant strides in life. Every moment of that journey is special. But the run up to the big day when your child is born is something that is extra special.
It is only natural that couples want to capture every moment of that journey. This is where the expertise and skills of a maternity couple photographer comes in the picture. A maternity photographer not only has to have the skills that define a good photographer, but they should also have excellent interpersonal skills and the sensitivity to handle pregnancy photoshoots that documents the first steps of becoming a parent.
- Simple But Intimate Maternity Photoshoot
- 1. Capturing Daddy's Love
- 2. Get Creative with Props
- 3. Incorporate Your Other Children
- 4. Capture Intimate Moments
- 5. Get Close to Each Other
- 6. Love in a Kiss
- 7. Experiment with Different Couple Maternity Poses
- 8. Pregnant, Paws, and Perfect Moments!
- 9. With Family Members
- 10. Mommy in a Traditional Outfit
- Baby Bump Photoshoot at Home
- Creative Outdoor Pregnancy Photoshoot
-
Unique and Funny Pregnancy Photoshoots
- 25. Matchy-Matchy Couple Fun!
- 26. Colored Smoke: A Safer Choice for Maternity
- 27. Black and White for Maternity Photos
- 28. Paint Your Belly
- 29. Sunrise and Sunset
- 30. With Your Baby's Name
- 31. Showing Your Hobby
- 32. Holding Tiny Shoes for the Baby
- 33. Gender Reveal
- 34. Ultrasound Moments in Maternity Photos
- 35. Silhouette Photoshoot
- Conclusion
Simple But Intimate Maternity Photoshoot
For maternity couples, the most touching photos often come from quiet, intimate moments. A soft embrace, a gentle kiss, or a slow walk together—these aren’t just simple gestures, but powerful expressions of connection and anticipation. In philosophy, action reveals essence—and in photography, it reveals emotion.
I guess you are looking for some inspirations. Here are some simple, intimate photo poses for maternity couples that beautifully capture love, warmth, and the journey ahead.
1. Capturing Daddy's Love
The role of the husband is often an afterthought in a pregnancy photo shoot poses with husband. He often ends up being used like a prop and therefore the photographer misses out on the key ingredient that can spice up the photo. One of the ways this can be corrected is by asking the father-to-be to hug the mum’s belly with his palms supporting them from behind. It’s a simple and an effective way to introduce an additional point of interest in the frame.
2. Get Creative with Props
I always recommend experimenting with as many props as you can. Props are a great way to accentuate your photos and add that extra bit of spice. In my experience, I have seen that a few of the props that I use in baby photoshoots can also be useful when shooting couple maternity photoshoots.
3. Incorporate Your Other Children
Just like the dad-to-be, if there is a sibling in the family, he or she can be a great addition to the couple maternity photoshoot. A brother-to-be or a sister-to-be can hold the mum’s belly with their tiny hands as if trying to feel their unborn brother or sister. The frame can also project a brother-to-be prepared to become the guardian angel to his baby sister or a sister-to-be expecting her bundle of joy and baby brother to be born.
4. Capture Intimate Moments
The creation of life is an outcome of love and affection that two people share for each other. It’s a great way to demonstrate that love by capturing a few intimate moments between the maternity couples. Perhaps a kiss, a hug, or even a macro shot of them holding hands can contribute to a tasteful pregnancy photoshoot.
Image from Pexels
Kate Boho Maternity Backdrops
Transform your studio with boho maternity backdrops that exude elegance and charm.
5. Get Close to Each Other
Maternity photos are all about capturing the happiness of expecting parents and the love and the bond they share between them. There is no better way to capture that but some intimate shots of the couple. So, make sure to egg them close to each other and show off that love! You as the photographer can do this by encouraging them to hug, hold hands, or stand close together.
6. Love in a Kiss
A sweet kiss is always a nice touch in any photo, but it can become extra special in a couple’s maternity photoshoot. After all, you’re about to become parents and start a new chapter in your lives together.
Image from Unsplash
7. Experiment with Different Couple Maternity Poses
When it comes to maternity photo shoots there is no limit to what and how much you can experiment. It all boils down to the couple being photographed, how comfortable they are in front of the camera and of course the photographer.
There are lots of different belly art styles a couple can try. From the simple standing side by side, to the father-to-be holding the baby bump, to kneeling down and kissing the belly, there is no limit to your creativity. I love the backlit shot where their bodies form a heart sign and the sun sparkles through.
8. Pregnant, Paws, and Perfect Moments!
If yours is a family that has pets you are definitely blessed. They make great company and not to mention a fantastic addition to the couple maternity photo. You can even add the family pet to your newborn or maternity photography sessions afterwards.
Image from Pexels
9. With Family Members
It would be great to have the extended family join the shoot. Grandparents from both sides, elder brothers, uncles and aunts joining in the frame and making one composite shoot would be a great way to complete the frame.
Image from Istock
10. Mommy in a Traditional Outfit
There’s nothing purer than an expecting mum in a traditional flowing dress. White is synonymous with purity and is a great color to use if you are looking to incorporate this look in your photos. If you don’t have a flowing dress try a skirt that can capture the essence just as well.
Baby Bump Photoshoot at Home
Some moms-to-be feel lazy and don’t want to step outside during pregnancy? No worries! Home is the coziest studio. Whether in a soft loungewear, lounging on a sun-drenched sofa, or leaning on the partner’s shoulder for a lazy selfie, every shot becomes a private memory shared between the couples.
No need for elaborate setups—just a blanket, a few rays of morning light, or even a sneaky moment in the kitchen can turn into the most touching maternity keepsake. The natural relaxed vibe of home lets your photos shine with the unique glow and tenderness of pregnancy. Still unsure about poses? We’ve got plenty of ideas you’ll love!
11. In the Kitchen
Every pregnant belly craves food, and lots of it! So why not turn those cravings into a fun, at-home theme that revolves around your favorite pregnancy snacks? The kitchen is the place where you can shoot this. Or if you have a small kitchen garden or even a terrace where there is abundant sunshine, you can use that as well. If you are the designated maternity photographer, you can use this theme in your compositions.
Image from Pexels
12. Cozy by the Window
A large window and abundant sunshine are something that can cheer up any person. And I am not speaking from the perspective of a photographer alone. But then that same window can serve in so many different ways. There's something so cozy and romantic about snuggling up by a window. Perhaps on a cold and rainy evening. Need more pregnancy photography ideas by the window?
Image from Istock
13. Soak in the Moment！
The bathtub is a nice, relaxing and intimate way to photograph a couple's maternity photo session. As the photographer, you may have to convince the couple to agree to this shoot because this is like intruding on their privacy. Not every couple will readily agree to this idea. But for the ones that do, this can be a great opportunity to shoot some romantic and cozy photos of the couple.
14. With Christmas Lights
A great way to incorporate Christmas vibes in your maternity shoots is to bring in the symbols that represent this festive time of the year. Christmas decorations, the christmas tree, the bells and the lights add to the overall charm of maternity shoots around Christmas.
Image from Istock
15. Maternity Milk Bath
Another interesting and unique way to create a beautiful maternity shot is to take a maternity milk bath. This can be quite an unique experience for the expecting mother. It’s also a perfect way to show a close-up of the pregnant body and especially the belly. As always, do take care to ensure that the mum is safe at all times.
Creative Outdoor Pregnancy Photoshoot
When the breeze lifts her hair, the curve of her dress as it sways, and the unintentional moments of shared smiles，these fleeting, beautiful moments are what make outdoor maternity photos so precious. There’s no forced pose, no stiff smile, just pure love and anticipation witnessed by nature.
As photographers, our job is simple. Just find that perfect beam of light, wait for the natural embrace, and gently press the shutter. Then we will get the best maternity photos！
16. In the Nursery
Not every couple would like to hire a professional photographer for their couple maternity photoshoot. Many prefer to keep it simple and private between them. For those parents-to-be, this is a creative tip you can try out.
This is where the nursery can come into good use. There is a ton of material laying around in the nursery that you can use as props. Simply hold the baby’s dress or its pillow or a pair of shoes and that becomes the focus of the photo while the parents are slightly out of focus.
Image from Shutterstock
17. Flower Field Magic
If you live closeby to a field of flowers or it’s springtime and you can drive to a palace that has a field of flowers, you should definitely try this next idea. The fresh vibrant flowers can add a lot of color to your outdoor maternity shoot. Plus you can experiment with the many options when outdoors. You can ask the couple to lay down on the grass, the mum-to-be resting her head on the lap of the dad-to-be. Or perhaps he can pour flowers over her head to elicit a surprised reaction.
Image from Istock
18. Sun-Kissed Couple Moments
The beach is a great place for creative beach maternity shoot. I have always had great results every time I have taken a family. The sparkling water, the white sand and the beautiful sun they all bring the best out of everyone. You get a lot of smiling faces and funny expressions from your subjects.
Image from Pexels
19. Vibrant Hues in a Snowy World
A snowy landscape is a dull environment to shoot in, except when you spice things up with color. Try using vibrant colors like red, yellow, baby pink and fuchsia. Ask the mum-to-be to wear appropriate cold weather clothing in any of the above tones. Keep a few extra pieces of clothing and accessories in different colors. You can also try and use a vibrant-colored prop to pop the pregnancy picture.
20. With Balloons
There are a ton of different ways to incorporate balloons in your pregnancy photo shoot poses with husband. One where the dad-to-be appears to be lifted off the ground! But that’s just one way of having fun with balloons.
Image from Istock
21. Take a Stroll
One of the best things about pregnancy is that you get to take a lot of walks. So, why not take advantage of that and take some maternity photos while you’re out on a walk? You can have your partner walk with you.
22. Waterfall Magic with a Flash of Creativity
This is one of those photo-ops where you can be really creative. Pull out the ND filter from your camera bag and screw it onto your lens. Ask the couple to pose in front of the waterfall and then use the rear-curtain sync technique while firing the flash. The result will be a smooth misty water effect with the couple perfectly sharp and well-lit.
Image from Istock
23. At an Amusement Park
An amusement park is a great place to experiment with some interesting pregnancy image ideas. There is a lot that you can experiment with including the water parks, the theme parks and so on. The major challenge of working inside an amusement park is to shoot in a crowded, open-air environment. At all times keep the mum-to-be safe.
Image from Shutterstock
24. A Snap in the Woods
A snap in the woods can result in an ethereal photo, provided you use the right props and spend some time post-processing the image. The dark beautiful green, interspersed with the browns and the speckles of blue sky and the streams of golden light streaking in makes for an otherworldly experience that can be craftily captured in your maternity photo.
Image from Pexels
Unique and Funny Pregnancy Photoshoots
Pregnancy photoshoots are also a chance to get creative and add a touch of fun. For example, use classic black-and-white shots to capture timeless elegance or try silhouette photography to highlight the expectant mother’s outline against a soft, glowing background for a dramatic effect. Also, for a more playful twist, incorporate funny props or quirky poses that add personality to the shoot.
If you’re still looking for fresh ideas, don’t worry! The following photo poses will provide you with all the inspiration you need to capture unique and fun maternity shots.
25. Matchy-Matchy Couple Fun!
A happy family dresses-up in matching outfits. You can create a theme around a favorite color of the mum and then ask the whole family to dress up in matching outfits. This can be a fun little way to spice things up and create our maternity photoshoot around a color theme.
Image from Istock
26. Colored Smoke: A Safer Choice for Maternity
This is a slightly gray technique. Why? Because I am always wary of using anything that can be difficult to manage. Colored smoke is a great way to spruce things up when you are shooting experimental concepts. E.g, when you are shooting fashion and themed portraits. What I would not recommend is to use colored glitter. These can catch fire easily and injure someone. Always ensure that you adopt a safety-first approach when shooting maternity and baby photos to capture truly unique images.
Image from Shutterstock
27. Black and White for Maternity Photos
When you deprive a canvas of colors you shift the focus towards the lighting, the texture, and the composition. It can create a cool, striking atmosphere and elevate any composition to a completely different level. Maternity photos are no exception.
Image from Pexels
28. Paint Your Belly
If you are the lucky mum-to-be, this is a nice way to celebrate your child with a truly creative and funny pregnancy photoshoot. Painting your belly with vibrant colors that revolve around the overall theme and the dress adds to the value of the composition. You can ask your partner to paint your belly, or alternatively, you can ask a professional painter to do it.
Image from Istock
29. Sunrise and Sunset
Whether you're capturing the golden hour of sunrise or the romantic glow of sunset, these outdoor maternity photos look breathtaking---especially when turned into stunning silhouette pregnancy photos. You can coincide your daily walks with sunset and sunrise and that will allow you to use the beautiful hues and take stunning maternity photos. Ask your partner to come along to share your routine and also to help you take some gorgeous pictures.
Image from Shutterstock
30. With Your Baby's Name
Incorporating the name of the baby in the maternity shoot is a no-brainer. Holding your baby’s name written on a giant card or written with flowers on the grass are some of the creative ways.
Image from Shutterstock
31. Showing Your Hobby
If you have a hobby that you love, you can incorporate it into your maternity photos. This is such a fun and personal way to show off your personality, and it’s a creative and funny way to document your pregnancy. Whether you love reading, knitting, or playing an instrument, find a way to incorporate your hobby into your photos.
Image from Istock
32. Holding Tiny Shoes for the Baby
This is a spin-off of the maternity shoot ideas that I discussed in the point “In the Nursery.” I am sure you have already picked up several pairs of cute-looking shoes for the baby. It is a great idea to now incorporate them into the photos. A great way to mix things up would be to place the cute little pair of shoes right next to the giant pairs of the mommy and the daddy.
Image from Unsplash
33. Gender Reveal
If you are planning on a gender reveal you can create a theme that revolves around special colors and props. Special colors like purple and pink would go great if it’s a little princess. Bold colors like red and blue would go well if it’s a boy. Don’t forget to have a giant card placed somewhere in the frame that says “It’s a Boy!” or “It’s a girl.”
34. Ultrasound Moments in Maternity Photos
A spin-off of the above idea. If you have an ultrasound picture, you can incorporate it into your maternity photos. This is a truly unique way to document your pregnancy and reveal the big news to your family and friends.
Image from Unsplash
35. Silhouette Photoshoot
Silhouette maternity photos are one of my favorites and I have often tried this when working with models in an outdoor setup. For a truly unique maternity photo, try this silhouette technique. This involves taking photos of you and your partner backlit by natural light of the sun or another light source. Also creates a beautiful silhouette effect that captures the essence of a maternity portrait/couple shoot in a unique and stylish way.
Image from Unsplash
Conclusion
Pregnancy is a blissful and blessed journey that is full of happiness, but at the same time full of challenges. It's a miracle that you as parents-to-be get to experience and rightly want to record so you can relive those memories.
There is no better way to capture those memories than photography. Whether you are a maternity photographer looking for ideas to explore or you are a mum-to-be looking to self-document your pregnancy journey, these ideas will help you capture some heartwarming couple maternity photos and document your journey.
Boho
